Turgruppa (Hiking Group)

Kronene i Håvet

This Spring we joined a hiking group, here known as "Turgruppa."  We got to go to a new hiking trail every Tuesday, with guides and free transportation. It was perfect for us.  There is a break now due to the "Norwegian Holiday."  The guides were two men and a woman who were older (prob in 60's if I were to guess). They knew the land so well, and everything about it.  They spoke english well from what we thought.  They however told us to help them with their english and they would help us with our Norwegian. So we spoke to each other in a mix of both, and said the name of certain things in our native language (or mother language as they say here). The hikes we did were mostly in and around Kongsberg. The first hike we went on was simple and we hiked to the Kronene i Håvet ( I call it the King's wall- but Kronene actually is Crowns in Norwegian) which is famous landmark here in Kongsberg. There is a large stone wall where past kings and the current King came and carved their royal monograms (or permanent mark) into the mountain side. The tradition started in 1704 and continues on when there is a royal visit to Kongsberg.  The first mark however is for Christian IV in 1624 who founded Kongsberg- after Silver was discovered there. When a new king reigns they come and put their mark on the wall.  It is very neat to see, looks like something almost out of a movie.   Kongsberg is very well known for its silver mining and around a lot of the trails there are reminents and reminders of this.

Gives you an idea of how big it is!

A close look at the Kronene i Håvet

Another trip brought us to the wonderful look out point called beckerkjøkkenet (The Becker's Kitchen). Our guides described it to us as an old spot where a family that was very rich use to come to eat to look "down" upon the city. It was all made out of stone--and was obviously falling apart. But still it was nice to hear the story. It looked like a little kitchen with a table made out of stone. There was also a really nice view of Kongsberg.

Sign for Beckerkjøkkenet

Beckerkjøkkenet

Beckerkjøkkenet

We quickly realized that we needed new hiking shoes as we went up and down some very steep spots during our hikes. It also seemed rain almost every Tuesday when it was time to go on our hike.  We were able to order some awesome Hiking shoes while we were home in USA- much better deals.  I also have to brag about there incredibly delicious clear water you can find streaming as you go for a hike. I, of course, was incredibly against trying. I am so weird about things being sanitary. But when desperate for water on our last hike, I gave in.  It was by far the best water I every had. Ice cold. Beyond refreshing. Far better than anything I've gotten from the sink. You can fill a water bottle and it is clear as day. Also as we were on one hike, our guide picked a flower/clover (I can't remember the name of it) and ate it. And of course he picked one for both of us. He basically watched us until we put it in our mouth... and to be honest it was a sweet acidic taste. He said usually in spring, some people will come pick these to put in their salad.  We kind of liked it...although I would never pick my own flower. ha. I only trust the Norwegians to tell me what it edible and drinkable. Although my trusting nature is kicking in, and I probably would drink the water without consent next time.

Fetching Fresh Water

Our cold refreshing spring water

Edible Greens in the forrest

I truly find hiking to be kind of a therapeutic challenge, and the views are such a great added bonus.
We often get the question, do you also hike at home? And a lot of times people can't imagine when I explain to them, "Not really, Louisiana is very flat. We don't have any Mountains." I always use hand motions too....swirly my hand flat so they can try to comprehend. I usually get a tilted head....and a "really?" I always say, "yep, and we also don't really get any snow." That is usually when I get the nod of the head, and the "hmm." That is often very interesting news, but that is all us Louisiana people know. And all they know is snow and mountains. I know life without skiing and mountain climbing but instead with crawfish boils and Mardi Gras... and they can't imagine not having it. I also explain that we have things in our woods/swamps that I fear..such as poisonous snakes, spiders, etc. Here--there is nothing apparently to fear at all in their mountains. No crazy wild animals, insects, reptiles..etc. This of course is Music to my ears. I talked to a guy who went to New Orleans with Kevin's company and he said that was the first time he finally understood what "flat" meant. He said there is a part of Norway that is pretty hilly and that is what they consider..."flat."  So he explained why that is such a hard concept to grasp here. So as long as Kevin and I have good weather this summer we will be outside on the weekends finding our own hiking adventures. The hiking group was a great way for us to start and to get a feel for where all the trails are. They can be accessible from where we live here in Kongsberg so that is great.  We just end up with longer hikes then most due to our no car situation, but we don't mind at all. The longer the better :) I'll make some more posts about our independent adventure soon, along with our hike to Gaustatoppen.

Fun Trails

STEEP going down! 

Rainy Day Hiking--Still Happy :)